A field adjuster, also referred to as a field claims adjuster, visits various locations to inspect insured property for which claims have been filed. She could work for a single insurance company or freelance for several. To expedite the claims process, large corporations, such as banks, frequently employ an adjuster. A field adjuster may focus on a single type of claim or investigate a variety of insurance claims.
The majority of those in this field work for property and casualty insurance companies. These are the types of insurance companies that consumers pay to compensate them for property that has been lost, stolen, or damaged. Some casualty policies cover bodily injury claims as well.
A field adjuster usually travels to the location where the loss occurred when property is lost and the insured person files a claim. She verifies the claim by reading police or fire reports and ensuring that the damaged, stolen, or lost property was covered under the policy’s terms. If the claim involves jewelry, collectibles, or fine art, she may ask the policyholder to provide photographs of the lost items or copies of value appraisals.
The field adjuster authorizes the claim to be paid without questions or delays in some cases, usually those involving minor property loss. If she has reason to suspect something, she can contact the insurance company and request the services of another appraiser. An adjuster who specializes in a specific area, such as house fires, stolen jewelry, or vehicle damage, is frequently called for a second opinion.
If the claim is large, such as one involving the total destruction of a vehicle or the loss of an entire building, the adjuster may try to negotiate the payout with the insured party. When a claimant and the adjuster disagree on the value of the lost property, this method is usually used. Claims negotiations frequently include issues of negligence or inflated personal property values.
A field adjuster’s communication and negotiation skills are generally regarded as important characteristics. She’s also expected to be sympathetic while still being objective in her assessments of losses. An adjuster’s attention to detail is usually required to accurately assess loss and damage scenarios.
Some employers prefer candidates with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree for field adjuster positions. If the applicant has relevant work experience, many will accept a high school diploma or equivalent. Field adjuster job candidates should be familiar with insurance jargon, policies, and procedures.